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Connectivity

CES 2020: Cartica AI’s Simpler Solution for Autonomous Vision

The wide rollout of autonomous vehicles (AVs) will require advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and significant computing horsepower. The efficiency and effectiveness of the...

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Software

CES 2020: VW Creates New Autonomous Subsidiary

Volkswagen announced on Jan. 8 the formation of a new subsidiary called Volkswagen Autonomy, Inc. The new unit will oversee the development of Level-4 autonomous systems for VW. Alexander...

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Aerospace

Starliner Completes Test Objectives

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner did not reach its planned orbit and dock to the International Space Station last month but completed test objectives related to NASA’s Commercial Crew Program including a...

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Aerospace

X-59 Supersonic Aircraft Cleared for Final Assembly

NASA’s first large-scale, piloted X-plane in more than three decades entered final assembly and integration of its systems. The X-59 will be flown above select U.S. communities to...

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Aerospace

Nano-Barrier Could Strengthen Spacecraft Payloads

The University of Surrey developed a robust, multi-layered nano-barrier for ultra-lightweight and stable carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) that could be used to build high precision instrument structures for future space missions.

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Energy

Proving Grounds Are the Hush-Hush Heroes of the Latest Automotive Test Technology

The world’s independent vehicle test-track operators often are the unsung heroes of new-vehicle development. They work in an atmosphere of secrecy that...

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Test & Measurement

Emulating 5G Networks for AV Testing

As 5G technology applications spread throughout the auto industry, case testing is a vital aspect of attaining and maintaining efficiency. The U.K.’s Spirent Communications and the Warwick...

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Sensors/Data Acquisition

Does EV Material Testing Need to Get Physical?

As the CEO of the ZwickRoell Group, Dr. Jan Stefan Roell oversees a multi-industry, materials-testing business. The family-owned company’s history of invention includes the first hydraulic...

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Energy

EV Startup Rivian Gets More Funding from Ford, Amazon

Rivian, the startup electric vehicle (EV) developer focusing on pickup trucks, SUVs and commercial delivery vehicles, announced on Dec. 23 that it completed a new $1.3-billion round of...

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News
Power

New IAAPS Powertrain R&D Center to Accelerate Development of Propulsion Systems

The auto industry needs new areas of expertise, new development tools, and new ways of facilitating collaboration and innovation to keep pace with technologies...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

Getting a Grip on EV Fasteners

It may not get much R&D fanfare, but fastenings and their coatings will play an essential engineering role in electrified vehicles (EVs). There is an increasing demand from the auto industry for...

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Test & Measurement

New Standards Developed to Improve Metal Detector Testing

Metal detectors now appear routinely in the entrances of many schools, airports and even houses of worship. They serve as portals to correctional facilities, prisons and courthouses,...

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Data Acquisition

Novel Instrument Enhances Ability to Measure Nuclear Materials

Researchers with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) designed and built an instrument called NAUTILUS to provide new measurement capabilities to measure nuclear,...

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Wearables

Researchers Shine a Light on Wearable Technology

Researchers at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Chemical Biological Center are looking at LEDs to help warfighters battle chemical warfare agents (CWA). Co-primary...

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Energy

New GM, LG Chem Joint Venture to Build EV Battery Plant in U.S.

General Motors and longtime battery partner LG Chem announced the companies are forming an equally-owned joint-venture (JV) company to mass-produce lithium-ion batteries for...

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Articles
Power

Chevy Tweaks 2020 Bolt’s Battery Chemistry to Add Range

In late 2016, the Chevrolet Bolt became a breakthrough vehicle for long-range EV affordability. At the time, no other electric car came close to offering the Bolt’s 238 mi (383...

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News
Manned Systems

Silicon Valley Summit Refines Autonomous Safety Thinking

Until recently, leading autonomous vehicle (AV) technologists posited that ultra-safe, go-anywhere robotaxis would soon be on the road. But questions about those timelines –and the...

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Materials

Memory Metals Shape the Evolution of Aviation

Shape-memory alloy (SMA) is a functional metal with unique properties that allow it to be trained to move on its own. Researchers at NASA Glenn partnered with Boeing to test how shape-memory...

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Aerospace

Researchers Turn to Carbon Nanotubes to Build Better Heat Shields

The world of aerospace increasingly relies on carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites to build the structures of satellites, rockets, and jet aircraft. But the life of...

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Propulsion

Tesla Cybertruck Takes Styling, Materials Risks

Tesla has unveiled its latest concept electric vehicle (EV), the Cybertruck. Revealed at a post-L.A. Auto Show event at Tesla’s design center just south of L.A. in Hawthorne, California on...

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News
Software

New Proving-Ground Tools Needed to Manage AV Testing

According to Dr. Richard Simpson, principal systems engineer at test systems’ supplier AB Dynamics, a universal command and control system for test-track operators is vital to manage...

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Manufacturing & Prototyping

Ford Unveils 2021 Mustang Mach-E Electric Vehicle

With the unveiling of the 2021 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle (EV), Ford seems to be betting the way to expand mainstream America’s demand for EVs through its collective right foot. The...

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Materials

“Circulatory” Air Conditioning Could Keep Planes Cooler

The complex network of veins that keeps us cool during the heat of summer has inspired engineers to create novel thermal management systems. A new computer program could be key to...

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Aerospace

System Prevents Speedy Drones from Crashing

MIT researchers developed a trajectory-planning model that helps drones fly at high speeds through previously unexplored areas, while staying safe. The model — named “FASTER” — estimates...

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News
Connectivity

Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Optimize EV Batteries

Everywhere you turn these days, there’s news about the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform our lives—from diagnosing cancers to devising better pick-up lines at...

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Motion Control

New Navigation System Enables Critical Assured PNT in Contested Environments

Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., has been selected by the U.S. Army to provide a next-generation Mounted Assured Positioning,...

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Defense

Preparing for the Consequences of a Chemical Attack

Is the U.S. ready for a chemical attack on the homeland? With the very real possibility of a chemical attack in public spaces like stadiums, religious buildings, museums and theaters, or...

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Photonics/Optics

Armoring Satellites to Survive and Operate Through Attacks

Satellites do a lot of things — they help people navigate from one place to another, they deliver television programming, they search for new stars and exo-planets and they enable the...

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News
Lighting

Volkswagen Turns Classic Van into Innovative, Retro-Ride EV

“Hello, Eric,” said the vehicle. “Are you ready to go?” responded Eric Glaser, a principal product designer at Volkswagen’s Innovation and Engineering Center California...

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